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Remodeling Design Dilemma Kitchens

Discovered no plywood under 2 cm granite countertop in new kitchen.

2 years ago

last modified: 2 years ago

Hi! I'm wondering if anyone has a suggestion for bolstering a 2 cm granite countertop in a kitchen which was just completed. The electrician just pointed out to us that there is no plywood under the two granite countertops. The countertops are 25 1/2 deep. One countertop is 122 inches long with an undermount sink and dishwasher and a slight bend. This counter has a 16 inch granite bar extension (which does have plywood) above an 8 inch backsplash. However, the bar is supported by plywood alone, no bolsters or corbels. The countertop on the other side has two pieces around the stove, one 73 inches the other 33 inches. We have been out of the house due to work and health reasons after extensive water damage. I would rather not tear apart the entire kitchen, as we have finally moved back in after 8 months; but I will if I have to. Obviously, that would be "ideal." I am wondering, is there any alternative? Obviously, the granite sub-contractor is no good, and I don't trust his judgment about how to correct it but that is where my contractor is going to go to try to fix it. Any informed advice would be much appreciated. Thank you.

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Comments (8)

User
2 years ago
Plywood is a mere thickness compensator. it does nothing for support. 2cm can cantilever 6” without any additional support. If it‘s more than that, add some exterior metal brackets. Make sure they attach into studs in the pony wall. https://www.lowes.com/pd/Ekena-Millwork-Plain-Steel-Countertop-Support-8-in-x-2-in-x-8-in-Unfinished-Steel-Countertop-Support-Bracket/50135860
PRO
StarCraft Custom Builders
2 years ago
last modified: 2 years ago
Who told you you needed plywood for structural support under 2cm granite? Not so. I agree with Magnifico. The plywood is not structural. It is there for two reasons:

1. To raise the countertop to 36" from the floor on what are typically 34 1/2" base cabinets. Without the plywood, the countertop tops out at about 35 1/4". No big deal for some, somehow a major catastrophe for others.

2. So the typical laminated 4cm edge will clear door and drawers so they will clear the edging.

It looks like you have plenty of clearance, so if the countertop height is not a problem for you, then don't worry about it. It looks to me like your fabricator did a professional job. of installation. Tell your electrician to stick to electricianing, leaving countertops to countertoppers.
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You do not need to stack two 2cm slabs on top of each other to make it look like you are using 4cm thick slabs. You only need a small amount of extra material (1-2Ã¢ÂÂ inches depending on edge type) to beef up just the outside edges of the counters. Laminated or mitered edges are very common here in So. Cal., where most stone and quartz is sold in 2cm size, rather than 3cm. The fabricator will put a 5/8Ã¢ÂÂ thick plywood subtop that is a little narrower than the finished counter size on top of the cabinet. Then the 2cm slab counter is put on top of the plywood. A narrow strip of the quartz is attached just at the edge of the counter to hide the edge of the plywood and make the whole counter look thicker. For standard 24Ã¢ÂÂ deep cabinets, the finished counter width with overhang is typically 25.5.Ã¢ÂÂ I donÃ¢ÂÂt know what brand of quartz you plan to buy, but Caesarstone slabs are 56.5Ã¢ÂÂ wide, Hanstone is 55Ã¢ÂÂ wide, Silestone is 54Ã¢ÂÂ, Cambria is 55.Ã¢ÂÂ (Some brands sell wider Ã¢ÂÂjumboÃ¢ÂÂ slabs if you have deeper counters.) Assuming a 55Ã¢ÂÂ wide slab, two 25.5Ã¢ÂÂ deep counters will use up 51Ã¢ÂÂ (plus a small amount of loss in the cutting process), leaving the few inches you need for the edge strips. You should need the same number of slabs whether you use 2cm or 3cm material. The thinner material will cost less, which should offset the increased labor cost for the laminated or mitered edge. I am going to try to attach pictures that show the different types of edges.
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PRO
Joseph Corlett, LLC
2 years ago
While not nearly as stiff as metal, plywood can certainly structurally support stone.
PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
2 years ago
I have never put plywood under any stone counter top and I agree just the metal supports under the overhang is all you need and your contractor should not touch this stone IMO and what is it to the electrician at all.
dan1888
2 years ago
Your electrician doesn't have expertise in granite counter fabrication and installation. And that's all.
PRO
StarCraft Custom Builders
2 years ago
@ dan1888

Amen.
bellafrancene
Original Author
2 years ago
Thank you everyone for your advice. I appreciate your contributions. I will work on getting the metal supports for the bar overhang. This is a great relief. I always learn from reading this site and have saved myself a lot of needless grief.
dan1888
2 years ago
Have your electrician work out an under cab lighting plan.

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